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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 14, 2015 10:42:22 GMT -5
OOC note:
//I'm calling that the Tethys has a very small supply of Smokepowder(as it's rare and costly), Blake -seeing this is the Black Jewel- is using that now as he deems the danger appropriate. If he uses it, then that's his supply gone and he will rely on his ballistas and ranged weapons to fire other missiles from then on.
Sorry for any confusion.
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 14, 2015 10:52:29 GMT -5
As night falls and the larger Nelanther Isles fade out of view, the three masted carrack known as the Black Jewel is but a dark shadow on the moonlit sea. Captain Licios and his crew all do their best, and thanks to their good seamanship keep the distance between the Tub and Black Jewel. Captain Blake positions the Tethys parallel to the Tub, and the Black Jewel remains far behind.
The wind that previously abated seems to blow stronger once more. For an hour at least. Then it changes direction to blow from the south. A few moments later, it changes again, blowing from the east, and then it calms down again. It seems the weather magic is fighting with all the wind and water gods for dominance of the sea. Whatever it is, something unnatural is at work. After some time, the wind evens out to a light breeze again, and the Black Jewel comes closer. It keeps its distance and changes course for the south. Instead of going straight for the Tub, it passes both ships from a safe distance...
Edit:
For anyone knowledgeable with magic, they would realize that they have left the radius of the weather control spell several hours ago.
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Post by FORSETIS on Dec 14, 2015 11:12:15 GMT -5
Elith wearing nothing but a vest, pants, and a belt to hold some pouches. Armed with a dagger and hatchet tucked into his belt behind his back, his short bow over his shoulder, turns to Captain Blake while on deck. Permission to climb to the crows perch Captain? I can spend most of the journey there.
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 14, 2015 11:42:04 GMT -5
Captain Blake stands down from the Wheel, his first mate takes over and the nine port hatches are closed but the two ballistas remain loaded with canisters as the watch stares across at the passing ship. He crosses to the rigging and watches it, still suspicious. He orders the lookout to remain alert and continues to watch the Jewel for as long as it remains in sight.
"...don't like it." He is heard to mutter.
"Maybe she found something worth more?"
"Aye, or she's playing with us..." The Captain glares out at the water. "Invite all spellcasters to stand watch tonight with Jasper and put the costly black dust back in its place...one hand on the cutlass, lads, be ready in case we still need it. I want our ranged weapons kept loaded until we're sure....if she turns back we may still need them. Maintain course for Lantan."
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 14, 2015 11:43:25 GMT -5
Elith wearing nothing but a vest, pants, and a belt to hold some pouches. Armed with a dagger and hatchet tucked into his belt behind his back, his short bow over his shoulder, turns to Captain Blake while on deck. Permission to climb to the crows perch Captain? I can spend most of the journey there. "Permission granted, join the lookout Mister Elith."
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 14, 2015 11:51:49 GMT -5
As the Black Jewel has sailed a good distance ahead, it begins to turn portside to get in front of the two ships. The wind remains a gentle breeze, but the Jewel keeps its speed.
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 14, 2015 12:20:10 GMT -5
"Signal the Tub, ask if they got any more aboard that can control the weather." Captain Blake asks Jasper. "I know you can, I know Kathy can, I want to know if they're got anyone else who can, find out."
He stares ahead at the Jewel forming a plan.
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Post by FORSETIS on Dec 14, 2015 12:50:14 GMT -5
*Joining the Spotter in the crows perch he looks toward the Jewel. After some thought he ties his hair back, and prepares for contact*
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Post by lucesi on Dec 14, 2015 12:54:50 GMT -5
In the midst of his duties Yarrick, leans over the side of the ship tipping a bag of coin (about 500 lions worth) and two bottles of rum overboard as an offering to Umberlee and an attempt to assuage her wrath. He then offers up prayers to Valkur and Akadi to provide good winds for good measure.
Yarrick then unsheathes his two cutlasses, blade in each hand he watches, waits and listens for orders...
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Post by mkable on Dec 14, 2015 13:20:42 GMT -5
*Joining the Spotter in the crows perch he looks toward the Jewel. After some thought he ties his hair back, and prepares for contact* Dain nods to the Elf as Elith climbs up. Working on the premise its easier to ask forgiveness then permission, Dain has been in the rigging all day. Seeing how things are lining up he uncoils himself from the posture he has maintained for hours, and swings down through the ropes. In a couple minutes he returns with a brace of shortswords oh his hips, and a longbow with a full quiver
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Post by demolicious on Dec 14, 2015 13:39:04 GMT -5
"Signal the Tub, ask if they got any more aboard that can control the weather." Captain Blake asks Jasper. "I know you can, I know Kathy can, I want to know if they're got anyone else who can, find out." He stares ahead at the Jewel forming a plan. Licios, having left wheel to Alexial for now in order to keep eye on Black Jewel and its manuvering, receives Blake's message, turning then towards Kathy."Respond immediately. In addition to you, Gardrak should be able to cast the same spell as well. If it comes to that, myself and Ahmed should be able to beseech our gods for control of the weather as well." Watching as the Jewel cuts ahead of them, Licios can be heard muttering: "Doesn't look like it's going to give up, at this rate we'll be shooting at each other in no time." Sigh. "I'd give much for a proper bombard right now. Well, better grab my bow..." As he turns to head to his cabin, Licios stops on the way to knock on Ahmed's door. Not bothering to open it, he instead states through it: "Thought you should know, we have situation with undead pirate ship." and turns to hurry along without waiting for response. Few moments later, he appears back on deck, longbow hanging from his shoulder, and goes to release Alexial from wheel.
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Post by offduty on Dec 14, 2015 14:02:18 GMT -5
Kathy would nod to Licios. Her violet eyes growing dark with worry. She sends the message back to Captain Blake. "Gardrak should be able to cast the same spell as well. If it comes to that, Captain Licios and Ahmed should be able to beseech their gods for control of the weather as well."
Looking up to Licios, she would smile. Putting her hand on his arm. "Licios darling just tell me what you need me to do. We will get through this. We have a good crew on board. Captain Blake has a good crew and is a lot better equipped. Together we can surely out smart the Black Jewel." The fear in her eyes tells Licios, she is more trying reassure herself than him.
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 14, 2015 14:11:57 GMT -5
A message from the Tethys is sent back:
"Proposal, we create a mass of fog and spells between us and them, tis the time of year for heavy fog moving into blizzards as the airs get colder, we creep up upon her, smack her behind with everything we've got...slip past and run like hell. I'm also a priest and can cast down lightning, I can help out. Should give her enough of a shock to confuse her for long enough, if she gives chase, we split and draw her fire between us till she doesn't know which one to go for. We give her a hard time, thoughts?"
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Post by purgatori69 on Dec 15, 2015 3:08:16 GMT -5
*Alexial responds to licios giving up the wheel* "Sir that ship sails for the bitch queen. As the stories go. If we have something of wealth we can offer to her, she may let up pass her waters without a fight"
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 15, 2015 9:08:36 GMT -5
As the Black Jewel has sailed a good distance ahead, it begins to turn portside to get in front of the two ships. The wind remains a gentle breeze, but the Jewel keeps its speed. As the captains and crew discuss and prepare themselves, the old carrack continues turning east until it has made a half circle to sail north, directly facing the two vessels going toward Lantan. It appears it's intended course is on the east side of the Tub, avoiding the Tethys on the west. It is hard to see much in the night, but with a good telescope one can see two black eyes glimmering in the figurehead. As the sea is fairly calm, it is soon within shouting distance and in range for most spells of a high circle caster. The gap between the Black Jewel and the expeditionary ships closes quickly.
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 15, 2015 9:39:10 GMT -5
The Captain watches the Jewel and his steel-tipped fingers dig into the wood of the railing.
"Ready ranged weapons port -and- starboard, all spellcasters to starboard side. Prepare to drop back, cut across the Tub's stern and defend her, man your stations, await orders."
The crew explode into action and Jasper rushes over to the right as the Captain takes the Wheel again.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 15, 2015 10:33:37 GMT -5
Licios takes the wheel from Alexial, guiding the Tub forward as the old carrack sails closer. "From what I've heard of the story Alexial, I'd not trust them to leave us at peace even if we offered them tribute. More likely they'd try to take our ship as well to depths."
Turning again to call orders to the crew. "Get that ballista loaded! Gardrak, Kathy, make yourselves ready! I want your priority to be keeping Jewel from us and preventing any damage to our ship, followed by sinking the Jewel! For now, do not fire without command, let us see what she wants."
Then turning to look at Kathy. "Respond to Blake. Conjuring such fog to mask our movements will take time it looks we don't have. If she chases, I agree we split up and harry her and hope we can either outrun her, or damage her enough to not give pursuit."
Once Jewel is within shouting distance, Licios hands the wheel back to Alexial, with simple "Keep us on course", and walks up to railing, calling across the water. "As per my message, I address captain Rolessa Mellkabbar of Black Jewel! I'm captain of this vessel, Licios Varith of Thay!"
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Post by offduty on Dec 15, 2015 11:02:03 GMT -5
Keeping a close on Captain Blake's ship she hurries the message over. "Conjuring such fog to mask our movements will take time it looks we don't have. If she chases, captian Licios agrees we split up and harry her and hope we can either outrun her, or damage her enough to not give pursuit."
Watching Licios, Kathy makes herself ready for battle. Glancing back and forth between the Black Jewel and the Tethys. Her knuckles white as she grips her beloved staff. Her eyes goes to Licios as her other hand goes to a bag hanging from her waist. Her once violet eyes filled with fear, are now black. filled with anger.
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 15, 2015 11:04:42 GMT -5
The Tethys cuts back behind the Tub, ready for anything.
The weather-beaten carrack barely makes any waves as it glides over the sea, and soon the Jewel comes broadside to the Tub. It is close enough that one can make out the shape of extravagant decorations covered in barnacles and seaweed, and the figurehead; a mermaid with eyes like black diamonds, and her face twisted into a scream, black tears streaking down her face. There are no lanterns, torches or candles. There are no calls of command or groaning of undead, only the shuffling of feet on deck, the flapping of shredded sails, the creaking of wood and clinking of metal. Dark figures climb the rigging, some going down with their feet up and head down, like crawling spiders among the tattered cobwebs hanging from the masts. Others stand ready at dual-bolt ballistae, but most crowd the deck, facing the Tub with sabres gleaming in the moon light.
The birds circling above seem cloaked in black mist. One of them, a large skeletal parrot-like creature, flies down to land on the outstretched arm of a thin figure standing at the ship's wheel. The figure wears a tricorne hat and ragged captain's clothes, its wispy hair blowing in the light breeze. The captain leaves the wheel to another figure, and walks down to the deck, the crowd making way for her as she walks to the starboard side to face Licios on the Tub. The parrot-thing sits on her shoulder, its head jerking about and beak snapping. The Black Jewel has slowed down, and the wind is eerily calm, drifting very slowly northwards.
"I am Rolessa Mellkabbar, captain of the Black Jewel." the thin figure says, her voice like breaking icicles. "I will hear your words, Licios Varith of Thay."
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 15, 2015 11:15:46 GMT -5
Keeping a close on Captain Blake's ship she hurries the message over. "Conjuring such fog to mask our movements will take time it looks we don't have. If she chases, captian Licios agrees we split up and harry her and hope we can either outrun her, or damage her enough to not give pursuit." Watching Licios, Kathy makes herself ready for battle. Glancing back and forth between the Black Jewel and the Tethys. Her knuckles white as she grips her beloved staff. Her eyes goes to Licios as her other hand goes to a bag hanging from her waist. Her once violet eyes filled with fear, are now black. filled with anger. "By The Deliverer's Gills...what's he playing at?" Captain Blake mutters as he receives the message from Jasper "Tell Kathy I agree, I shall cut across his stern and broadside the Jewel if she attacks, tell him no good can come of talking to the Jewel, she will want tribute and she may not stop at what you can give, she -may- want the whole blasted ship...he knows who she stands for and he knows how greedy she is." He watches what is going on closely.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 15, 2015 11:29:35 GMT -5
Staring across the water as Black Jewels comes to side by side with Tub, Licios's eyes finally focus on Rolessa as she speaks. With no hat or any other covering on his head, his bone white skin stands out on Tub's deck like open grave. Licios's voice remains even as he speaks with captain Mellkabbar, expression showing no fear, but respect and curiosity. "I've heard of you, lady Mellkabbar, and of your fate. My ship carries no exotics to appease your dept to the Bitch Queen, nor shall I surrender my ship to be pillaged. I'm experienced necromancer and this ship carries both clerics and wizards practiced with dealing with undead. Attempt to board by force and your crew will be taken control of and used against you. My wizards shall bombard your ship with all their might and should you prevail against both our ships, I will burn this one to waterline to deny you of plunder.
There are no gain for either of us from hostilities, nor do I have wish to battle you. What is it that you seek with us and how can we avoid conflict with no benefit to either of us?"
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Post by offduty on Dec 15, 2015 11:44:59 GMT -5
Rushes to Licios with the message from Captain Blake. Whispering to him she keeps her eyes on the Black Jewel. "He agrees, and will cut across your stern and broadside the Jewel if she attacks, he says no good can come of talking to the Jewel, she will want tribute and she may not stop at what you can give, she -may- want the whole blasted ship...you know who she stands for and you know how greedy she is."
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 15, 2015 12:02:34 GMT -5
Captain Melltabbar and her crew are silent for a long moment. The lantern lights from the Tub glitters in their black eyes like stars.
"You are brave, Captain Varith. Brave or foolish, but you speak with wisdom too. Many are the mages and priests that have fallen in my trade expeditions, many who have now joined my crew. You say you know me, then you should know I am an honest and successful merchant of Athkatla."
She pets the undead parrot on her shoulder. "But wealth has its price in my Queen's domain. All who pass must pay tribute, sooner or later. I seek only to pay my debt and return home to my husband. If you can be of assistance, then we need not waste anyone's magic or ships, and you would have my eternal gratitude. It has been long since I met a reasonable customer."
She falls silent for a moment, the undead parrot squawking. "Are you a reasonable customer? Perhaps we shall do business?"
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Post by lucesi on Dec 15, 2015 12:54:35 GMT -5
Watching proceedings keenly, Yarrick retains his cutlasses in each hand.
"If we're boardin' 'em ready to lead the vanguard if necessary Cap'n", he says to Captain Blake.
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 15, 2015 13:22:49 GMT -5
Watching proceedings keenly, Yarrick retains his cutlasses in each hand. "If we're boardin' 'em ready to lead the vanguard if necessary Cap'n", he says to Captain Blake. "Good man, Mister Yarrick, you shall be at the front in that eventuality!" Captain Blake holds position, watching the two ships. "Hold steady for the moment, lad, keep a close watch, if she strikes out, we move." He looks up at the lookout point. "Tell those two up there if the Jewel attacks the Tub I want all archers to try and take out their ballista, got that?" "AYE, sir!"
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Post by demolicious on Dec 15, 2015 14:58:29 GMT -5
"Are you a reasonable customer? Perhaps we shall do business?" Licios turns to motion to nearby deckhand: "Go find sir Albayati and request his presence on the deck."He then turns back towards captain Mellkabbar while waiting for Ahmed to arrive, for a moment letting his gaze wander to gauge mentality of his crew."Perhaps. There's no reason for us to be enemies, lady Mellkabbar, and I'm always willing to be reasonable. I've sent for owner of our little expedition, I've no doubt he wishes to hear your words as well.Now then. Let us talk business. What is it that you propose?"Despite her 'unnatural' condition and undead nature, Licios seems to be treating her just like any other person.
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Post by purgatori69 on Dec 15, 2015 16:49:52 GMT -5
*Alexandria moves to stand next to Yarrick green dragon shield at her side and her blade for the moment still sheathed* *speaks to Captain blake* "If she make a hostile move her ships decks will quickly fill with acidic fog captain" "Like a green dragon breathed down upon her"
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Post by Rane on Dec 15, 2015 17:34:02 GMT -5
Argorn Silverbeard disappears into the bowels of the tub and returns shortly.
He carries a heavy tower shield, and wears the shiny adamantium armor befitting of a dwarf. In his hand is a heavy mace which has the symbols of kelemvor upon it.
"If we are fighting undead then I brought just tha thing!"
Argorn's heavy chain hood gleams in the sunlight as he steps to the railing. Argorn grabs an old tome which hangs from his hip by a leather strap and prepares to summon forth a very powerful creature. With his spell ready to drop at a moments notice he waits for orders.
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 15, 2015 18:04:24 GMT -5
"Are you a reasonable customer? Perhaps we shall do business?" Licios turns to motion to nearby deckhand: "Go find sir Albayati and request his presence on the deck."He then turns back towards captain Mellkabbar while waiting for Ahmed to arrive, for a moment letting his gaze wander to gauge mentality of his crew."Perhaps. There's no reason for us to be enemies, lady Mellkabbar, and I'm always willing to be reasonable. I've sent for owner of our little expedition, I've no doubt he wishes to hear your words as well.Now then. Let us talk business. What is it that you propose?"Despite her 'unnatural' condition and undead nature, Licios seems to be treating her just like any other person."A wise choice, captain Varith." She turns her head to watch the Tethys make its ways to the other side of the Black Jewel. Moon light illuminates her face for a moment, and it is clear her, and all the crew members eyes, are just like the black jewels of the mermaid's figurehead; black pools of ink, that has spilled out over gaunt cheeks. "Before I make my business proposal, I shall tell you just how wise you are to choose words over violence. If I had your wisdom, I would not be here. If you think you can defeat us, you should be aware that the Bitch Queen is a far more ruthless business partner than I have ever been. If you destroy me, or sink my ship, then the curse shall pass to you." She points a skeletal finger to Licios. "That is how I was truly cursed one stormy night two hundred years ago. Wealth on the seas attracts pirates like sharks to a bloody corpse. I sank a pirate ship, and inherited their curse and their debt, just like they had before me. For each ship that sinks, the debt grows as the new captain has to pay their own tribute as well. Sinking my ship, would be a relief... but it would not get either of us closer to what we want. The only way to break the curse is to pay the debt. The Bitch Queen always gets her tribute, sooner or later." She pauses a moment, as some of the deckhands on the Tub murmurs worriedly. "Now that you know this, I believe you have a few options. I propose that you trade your two ships for other ships. Your tribute for another tribute. You help me plunder two wealthy Amnian merchant vessels that I am expecting in the next couple of days. You may keep a share and shall have good winds for ten days, and no pirates shall attack you near Nelanther or Lantan." She holds up two fingers. "A second, more generous option is that you give me an equal share, a third, of whatever you and your companion captain in the other ship intend to fill your now empty cargo hold with on this expedition you mentioned. If you are so heavily armed on an empty cargo ship, you must be after something valuable. The Bitch Queen would prefer a personal sacrifice. In return you shall have good winds for ten days, and no pirates shall attack you near Nelanther or Lantan." She holds up a third finger. "Or you can help us with something we cannot do, a weakness that greatly delays payment of the debt. We cannot step ashore. I propose you raid the Lantan city of Sundrah. Plunder it and take all they have worth and sacrifice it to the Bitch Queen. One city's worth of plunder might just be enough to break the curse. For this, you shall have good winds until you reach your destination. Should this sacrifice break the curse, you shall have all of my most valued belongings; my spellbook, my hat, my parrot and my ship to do with as you wish. Not to mention, there might be enough treasure for you as well. If what you say is true of your mages and clerics, you should have enough power to summon and animate an army, taking the city by surprise and returning to the sea before they can muster any proper defences." The undead parrot squawks and Captain Mellkabbar is quiet for a moment, as if that was all. She then holds up a broken fourth finger. "Or you can attack me and try to escape in the chaos, hoping that you won't accidentally kill me or sink my ship, or that I won't sink your or your friend's ship. I chose this option, and I lost more than just half my finger for it." She holds up all five fingers. "Fifth, a most generous choice. You can leave and let me plunder the ship behind me. Just one other ship for yours." She closes her hand to a fist. "What do you say, captain Licios Varith? How reasonable are you?"
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Post by DOT on Dec 15, 2015 19:00:32 GMT -5
"Are you a reasonable customer? Perhaps we shall do business?" Licios turns to motion to nearby deckhand: "Go find sir Albayati and request his presence on the deck."He then turns back towards captain Mellkabbar while waiting for Ahmed to arrive, for a moment letting his gaze wander to gauge mentality of his crew."Perhaps. There's no reason for us to be enemies, lady Mellkabbar, and I'm always willing to be reasonable. I've sent for owner of our little expedition, I've no doubt he wishes to hear your words as well.Now then. Let us talk business. What is it that you propose?"Despite her 'unnatural' condition and undead nature, Licios seems to be treating her just like any other person. Ahmed make his way at a reasonable pace deck side. Apprised of the situation, he would join Captain Licios at his side, though perhaps more to his back then his right or his front.
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